Record expansion has been confirmed in the two main rail freight markets of construction and consumer (intermodal) traffic, according to latest quarterly ORR rail freight statistics.

The ORR data showed construction rail freight traffic rose 1.3 per cent while consumer traffic was up 1.72 per cent in the second quarter of 2017/18. Furthermore, so-called other traffic, which includes biomass and mail, rose 23 per cent, while international freight was up 10 per cent, which suggests the latter is recovering after external pressures. Overall, the industry continues to adjust to the deep decline in coal traffic.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Manager, Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Rail freight has a key role in servicing industry in a safer, cleaner way which reduces road congestion and improves productivity.

“New research shows that transferring a further 2,000 lorry loads a day to rail, where there is a parallel rail route, such as the A34, M6 and A14, could reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions by 10 per cent and particulates by 7 per cent on each corridor if the Government upgraded the rail network.”

She continued: “HGVs account for around 21 per cent of road transport nitrogen dioxide emissions while making up just 5 per cent of vehicle miles so instead of building yet more roads, priority should be given to upgrading the rail freight network to reduce air pollution, congestion and collisions.”